1. Needs assessment: understanding the diverse needs of the population including those of disabled people, older adults, and those from minority ethnic communities.
Coventry’s approach
Assessing needs is crucial in shaping our commissioning strategy. We rely on national data sources such as Census data, Projecting Older People Population Information (POPPI), and Projecting Adult Needs and Service Information (PANSI), as well as local data through the Joint Strategic Needs Analysis (JSNA). Local service uptake analysis is also conducted. This intelligence on needs includes information about Coventry's diverse communities. The results of these efforts are used to inform key documents like the Council’s recently published Market Position Statement, the Market Sustainability Plan, Market Development Plans, and service specifications.
Strengths and opportunities
The Council can leverage the developing Population Health Management Needs analysis to inform commissioning based on the Coventry and Warwickshire Population Health Management Roadmap. Population Health Management (PHM) seeks to enhance population health through data-driven planning and proactive care delivery. It employs analytical tools such as segmentation, risk stratification, and impactability modelling to identify local 'at risk' groups. Multi-disciplinary teams then use these insights to design targeted activities aimed at preventing ill-health, improving health outcomes, and promoting equity.
Coventry celebrates its diversity of communities as a significant strength and is dedicated to continually understanding and addressing the evolving needs of newer communities.
There is clear evidence of increasing demand due to factors such as an ageing population, health disparities by locality (including life expectancy and healthy life expectancy), and the growing numbers of individuals living longer with significant learning disabilities, autism/neurodiversity, and rising mental health issues. These elements drive the need for adult social care services that are tailored to meet specific requirements. Insights into these needs and demands are integrated into the Council’s Market Position Statement.
| Ethnic Category | Coventry 2021 Census - All Ages |
Coventry ASC-All Ages |
Coventry 2021 Census - 18-64 | Coventry ASC - 18-64 | Coventry 2021 Census 65+ | Coventry ASC 65+ LTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 65.5% | 78.1% | 64.8% | 70.1% | 85.8% | 85.3% |
| Asian | 18.5% | 10.2% | 19.6% | 13.6% | 10.4% | 9.6% |
| Black | 8.9% | 3.6% | 9.2% | 6.9% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Other | 3.7% | 1.1% | 3.8% | 2.4% | 1.5% | 0.8% |
| Mixed | 3.4% | 1.0% | 2.7% | 2.4% | 0.5% | 0.3% |
- Overall over-representation of the White group and underrepresentation of all other ethnic minorities in all ages
- 18-64 cohort sees a convergence with census figures
- However, for those ages 65+ the service user cohort is more closely aligned with the city as a whole
Currently uptake of Coventry City Council adult social care services from ethnically diverse groups broadly reflects our 65 + population as reported in the 2021 population census.
For the 18-64 age group representation is improving over time and we are proactively addressing this through various initiatives, including engaging with the Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Board, developing a more diverse market, and fostering stronger connections with a range of faith and community groups across the city, especially through the Member-led multi-Faith Forum. Adult Social Care regularly organises engagement events at venues accessible to local communities and continues to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds to link them to appropriate support options. New contracts with voluntary sector organizations will require strong formal or informal links to groups representative of Coventry's diverse communities, promoting the use of services by everyone who can benefit.
Through our commissioning activities, we are actively taking steps to reduce disparities and work towards equitable service delivery that reflects our city's demographics.
For direct payments where there is an overrepresentation of minority ethnic service users. One hypothesis is that these citizens are not confident that mainstream services would cater for their cultural needs to an acceptable standard. The Council plans to test out this hypothesis through peer group sessions with minority ethnic service users with the aim of obtaining and applying learning going forward.
Ethnicity of Direct Payments recipients
